Netflix is standing firm in a legal dispute involving its hit franchise, KPop Demon Hunters.
Christian metal band Demon Hunter has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Netflix. The band claims that the animated film’s name could create confusion with its established brand.
On August 18, Demon Hunter’s corporate entity, Hyde Lane, sued Netflix, Netflix Studios and concert promoter AEG Presents.
The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court in California. Hyde Lane alleges that KPop Demon Hunters has begun to overlap with Demon Hunter’s brand and business interests.
The complaint also points to the rapid growth of the Netflix franchise. The film has expanded beyond animation into music, merchandise and live entertainment.
‘Without merit’
Netflix has rejected the allegations made by Hyde Lane.
In a statement carried by CNN on August 21, the streaming company described the claims as “without merit”. Netflix also said it plans to defend itself in court.
“Netflix has created an Academy Award–winning global phenomenon with KPop Demon Hunters that has inspired fans around the world with its powerful music, storytelling and characters,” the company said.
“We look forward to vigorously defending this matter.”
Meanwhile, KPop Demon Hunters has become a major success for Netflix. The animated musical fantasy has reportedly attracted more than 600 million views since its release in June 2025.
The film’s hit song “Golden” has also achieved major success. It has earned an Oscar and a Grammy and spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
As a result, the franchise has grown well beyond its original film release.
Concert tour
Netflix has continued to expand the KPop Demon Hunters brand through live entertainment.
In May, the company announced a global concert tour inspired by the animated film. AEG Presents is working with Netflix on the project.
Netflix Tudum described the tour as a live experience that will bring elements of the film to audiences.
The company has yet to announce all of the tour dates, cities and ticket details. However, the planned concerts have become an important part of the legal dispute.
Hyde Lane argues that the live shows could move the KPop Demon Hunters brand into the same entertainment space as Demon Hunter.
Wrong tickets
Netflix’s announcement of the concert tour has now taken up pages in Hyde Lane’s lawsuit.
The complainant argues that the plan would expand the KPop Demon Hunters franchise into the same live-entertainment space where the band Demon Hunter has operated for decades.
It then cites several examples of confusion among consumers, including a parent who accidentally bought tickets to a Demon Hunter concert in New York in May believing they were for a KPop Demon Hunters show, resulting in a refund request.
In another incident mentioned in the lawsuit, a television show producer reached out to the band in March to ask for an interview with a songwriter associated with the animated film.
Taking the aforementioned events into account, Hyde Lyne asks the US District Court to issue an order preventing Netflix, Netflix Studios and AEG Presents from using the KPop Demon Hunters name in music, merchandise and live entertainment.
The complainant also seeks a jury trial and unspecified damages.
Demon Hunter has been thriving in the live-entertainment industry since 2000, with origins in Seattle.
Its line-up features Ryan Clark, Jon Dunn, Timothy Watts, Patrick Judge and Jeremiah Scott.
According to their website, the band has an upcoming concert tour that will kick off in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 7.
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